Aarvi carried the question with her all day.
It sat in her chest while she worked.
Followed her into meetings.
Lingered in the pauses between emails.
Would he stay… if things became real?
She didn't want to ask it.
Because some questions, once spoken, could never be taken back.
---
She watched him more carefully
Riyan was the same as always on the surface — focused, controlled, efficient.
But now, Aarvi noticed the things she used to overlook.
The way he stiffened when emotions surfaced.
The way he retreated into professionalism when situations got complicated.
The way he avoided vulnerability like it was something dangerous.
Maya's words echoed softly in her mind.
He's good at caring. Just not good at staying.
Aarvi hated that the words made sense.
---
The moment almost happened
Late afternoon, Riyan stepped out of his office and stopped beside her desk.
"You've been quiet," he said gently.
She looked up.
"Just busy."
He didn't believe her.
She knew he didn't.
He hesitated — just a fraction — like he wanted to say more but didn't know how.
That hesitation almost pushed her to ask.
Almost.
But fear stopped her.
Because what if his answer confirmed what she was already afraid of?
---
The question changed shape
That evening, as they stood near the elevator, she finally spoke — but not the way she planned.
"Do you ever regret… getting close to people?" she asked quietly.
Riyan turned to her, surprised.
"Why would you ask that?"
She shrugged lightly.
"No reason. Just curious."
He studied her face carefully, sensing the weight behind the casual tone.
"I don't regret caring," he said slowly.
"I regret not knowing how to handle it when it scares me."
Her heart tightened.
"So you leave?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer immediately.
And that pause said everything.
---
A truth without reassurance
"I don't run," Riyan said finally.
"But I do step back when I think I'm about to hurt someone."
Aarvi swallowed.
"And what if stepping back hurts them more?" she whispered.
His eyes darkened.
"That's the risk," he said.
"And it's one I haven't learned how to avoid yet."
There it was.
Not denial.
Not reassurance.
Honesty.
And honesty hurt.
---
She chose silence over clarity
Aarvi nodded slowly, forcing a small smile.
"That makes sense."
The elevator doors opened.
They stepped inside, standing a careful distance apart.
Neither spoke.
When the doors closed, Aarvi stared at the numbers blinking above.
She had almost asked the question.
Would you stay… for me?
But she didn't.
Because sometimes,
not knowing the answer felt safer
than hearing it out loud.